Paul McCartney new album hits stores in February

Daybreak Daily’s afternoon visit to the mud-wrestling ring of things pop-culture finds an ex-Beatle with a new album, discovers a cool citation for Gaga and presents two mystery music videos in honor of the season.

BEATLEMANIA: Of sorts. This should be nothing if not interesting, per the Los Angeles Times, “Paul McCartney announced this morning that he'll be releasing a new album of cover songs, along with two new compositions, on February 7th. Featuring songs that McCartney says were key early influences on him and fellow former Beatle John Lennon -- in his words, "the songs me and John based quite a few of our things on" -- the as-yet-untitled album has guest appearances by Diana Krall, Stevie Wonder, and Eric Clapton.” http://lat.ms/vWue4f

GAGA OVER GAGA: She’s the AP’s lady, per said news organization, “After a year of extravagant globe-trotting and relentless advocacy of tolerance, Lady Gaga has been voted Entertainer of the Year by members of The Associated Press.” http://apne.ws/ulhc5E

WEIRD: Oh, well. May ‘The Force’ be with them, per Czechposition.com, “While almost half the population, 4.8 million, shied away from answering the voluntary religious question, a surprising strong showing was given by those Czechs who described themselves as Knights of the Jedi and believers in “the Force” as depicted in the Star Wars films.” http://bit.ly/vlVUIx

KARDASHIAN KARD: Kuite kuaint, per People, “It's that time of the year again – for the Kardashian-Jenner family to send out their annual Christmas card. Never ones to shy away from anything over-the-top, the family may have even out-glammed 2010's card with this year's seasonal greeting, which also comes in a 3D version.” http://bit.ly/uwxqgw

BIEBER BUMMER: Or maybe his mom was a grinchette, per Access Hollywood, “Justin Bieber was not a “Belieber” when it came to Santa Claus growing up. The 17-year-old superstar — whose Christmas album, “Under the Mistletoe,” is riding high at the top of the charts this holiday season, has revealed he’s known the facts regarding Ol’ Saint Nick since childhood. “My mom always told me there wasn’t a Santa,” Justin said in a new interview with AOL Music.” http://bit.ly/t7S77O

KOWGIRL KHLOE: L.A.’s loss is Dallas’ gain, and at least one person is digging it, per Radaronline, “Khloe Kardashian wasn't phased when her NBA star hubby, Lamar Odom was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Dallas Mavericks, because she is eager to get away from the non-stop Kardashian-Jenner family drama, RadarOnline.com is exclusively reporting.” http://bit.ly/rs9un8

LOHAN’S PLAYBOY GIG: The new issue is a hot seller. Or is it? Per CNN, “Lindsay Lohan's nude photo spread for Playboy is helping the men's magazine break sales records, according to Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. CNN calls to a dozen newsstands in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Atlanta Sunday found just one that is sold out of the issue, and that store expected more to arrive Monday.” http://bit.ly/vRKB3i

SMART CHOICES: Or highbrow or eclectic or something of that ilk, per indieWIRE, “With 63 votes among 162 critics, journalists and other tastemakers, Terrence Malick’s Palme d’Or-winning “The Tree of Life” led the charge in Indiewire's Poll For the Best of 2011 Film. Malick also nabbed 18 mentions for Best Director, placing him in first place for that category as well.” http://bit.ly/sHdPuw

AND FINALLY: Today’s mystery music video. And for the holidays, we present two from which to choose (full-screen clicks recommended):